Coutts warned clients on film scheme HMRC tax challenge

Coutts has warned its clients about a possible HMRC Revenue & Customs tax probe into film investment schemes (FIS).

According to the Sunday Times, RBS-owned Coutts was among a host of private banks which sold FIS to clients. Others included HSBC Private Bank and UBS.

The controversy surrounding these schemes has intensified over the last few weeks, with the likes of David Beckham and Michael Caine among those using FIS to reduce their tax bill.

The Sunday Times claims to have seen a letter Coutts sent out to customers in December 2004, recommending a FIS as the ‘most effective in mitigating tax paid at 40%.’ The letter also revealed that Coutts was paid 1% in commission for arranging the scheme with Ingenious.

In response to the revelation Coutts insisted it had done nothing wrong. A spokesperson told the paper: ‘Coutts historically provided tax advice to some clients in respect to a number of genuine film financing arrangements.

‘The relevant risks were prominently highlighted and where appropriate it was made clear that there was a risk to a HMRC challenge.'

It added: ‘Although a number of these arrangements are subject to ongoing HMRC inquiries, the ultimate outcome of these is still unknown.’

Meanwhile HSBC said it stopped selling FIS in 2009, adding ‘the risks were highlighted to potential investors such as partnerships.'

The revelation comes amid growing anger among investors who feel they were mis-sold FIS.

The vehicles are the subject of a £7 billion crackdown on tax avoidance. Last week HMRC revealed several hundred film partnerships were among 1,200 potential tax avoidance structures it had identified.

Earlier this month Ingenious Media issued a warning to some 1,300 investors in its FIS, which included Beckham and the likes of Bob Geldof and Gary Lineker.

Ingenious Media told its investors they could be forced to cough up a combined £520 million to meet the tax bill, while stressing the schemes were not set up for the specific purposes of avoiding tax.

Ingenious Media, which has described HMRC’s attack on FIS as ‘draconian’ in the past, said at the time: ‘We have done everything we can to lobby for changes to the accelerated payment proposals as the Bill has progressed through Parliament, but without success.’

We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. You can continue to use the website and we'll assume that you are happy to receive cookies. If you would like to, you can find out more about cookies and managing them at any time here. This site is for Professional Investors only, please read our Risk Disclosure Notice for Citywire’s general investment warnings

We use cookies to improve your experience. By your continued use of this site you accept such use. To change your settings please see our policy.